Austin's signature food and drink event is back with bites, bubbly, and brightest culinary stars

Join us at the 2018 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, April 12 at Fair Market.
Photo by Shelley Neuman

It's time to celebrate two of the things we love most — food and drink — at the annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, our signature program honoring the top restaurant and bar talent in Austin and San Antonio.

Each year, CultureMap shines a spotlight on the people making the city's culinary scene special. First, we collaborated with a panel of experts, including previous Tastemaker winners, to determine the nominees. The panel then selected winners in every category, except Best New Restaurant, which will be determined by you in an upcoming tournament presented by Whole Foods Market.

In Austin, the categories are Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Bar of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Wine Program of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Favorite Food Truck, Brewery of the Year, and Best New Restaurant. In San Antonio, we've expanded the categories to Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Bar of the Year, Best Coffee Shop, and Best New Restaurant.

We'll introduce you to all of the nominees in a special editorial series leading up to our exclusive tasting event and awards ceremony.

Join us on April 12 from 6-9 pm at Fair Market for the 2018 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards presented by Woodford Reserve. We'll toast the nominees and unveil the winners, while you mix and mingle with top culinary talent and fellow foodies. Many more details will be revealed, but here's a taste of what's on the menu: bites and sips from participating nominees; a special Woodford Reserve chef showcase featuring 2017 winners; and an indulgent Sweet Suite, complete with Korbel Bubbly Bar.

General admission tickets are on sale now for $55; a portion of the proceeds benefits Austin Food & Wine Alliance. Grab your tickets, get to know the nominees, and we'll see you at the party in April.